Ϯ by DR. MICHAEL HOSKIN
University of Cambridge
Only half a century ago distinguished astronomers believed our own Galaxy represented the limits of space. Others, however, were suggesting that objects seen in their telescopes were ' extragalactic ' nebulae - island universes The dispute reached a climax in 1920 in a great debate at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington. The principal antagonists were HEBEB CURTIS and HARLOW Shapley.
DR. HOSKIN reconstructs this batUe of the intellectual giants with readings from the speeches and writings of those involved.
Reader. LOCKWOOD WEST